> Expat to India > Expat to Delhi

Getting around in Delhi

Delhi, also known as New Delhi, is the capital of India, and is the largest city in the northern region. Over 12.8 million people live within its borders and it can often feel like the city’s entire population is trying to commute at the same time.
getting around delhi in a rickshaw

As a result, expats will find that getting around Delhi can make for a hectic and crowded experience. Cars, buses, bicycles, motorcycles, auto-rickshaws, pedestrians and even cows and dogs all share the same road. People often tend not to obey standard traffic laws, adding further to the chaos.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that expats, especially those new to the city, try not to drive themselves, and rely on other forms of private/public transportation instead.

Getting around Delhi

With a little bit of time and practice (and a good city map), Delhi, on the whole, can be a fairly easy city to navigate. There are a handful of main roads and arteries through which most major parts of the city can be reached. In recent years, road signage in certain areas (particularly South Delhi) has been much improved.

However, one should not assume that all people will know street names. Rather, most people tend to know the names of landmarks or various neighbourhoods and colonies, and use these as reference points to get around the city. Expats should certainly learn to use places to help orient themselves as opposed to traditional roads and highways.

If lost, it is best to ask a local for help. Delhiites tend to be friendly and are usually more than happy to provide directions.

Modes of Public Transport

Rickshaws

There are two kinds of rickshaws in Delhi – cycle rickshaws and auto-rickshaws (sometimes referred to as “three-wheelers” or simply “scooters”).

Cycle rickshaws are powered by the driver pedalling in front, while passengers ride on a covered bench behind the driver. They have been banned in many parts of the city, though they can still be found in a few busy neighbourhoods and bazaars (including Old Delhi, Lajpat Nagar, and Nizamuddin area). They are an inexpensive way (usually between INR 10 and INR 40 depending on the distance of the trip) to travel short distances, or through markets that might seem too hectic to traverse on foot.
Auto rickshaws are partially enclosed green and yellow vehicles that can be hailed from nearly every street corner in the city. They can comfortably fit up to three passengers, plus the driver in front. They are cheaper than taxis, and, because of their smaller size, can usually negotiate heavy traffic a bit faster.

About half of the auto rickshaw drivers will agree to use their meter along with the adjusted rate card to determine the price of the journey. The meter displays the distance travelled in kilometres, and the rate card is used to determine the adjusted rate based on distance covered. Other drivers, though, will not use the meter, often claiming that it is broken or inaccurate. With these drivers, it is best to negotiate a price before even getting into the auto to avoid confusion and frustration at the end of the trip. Auto-rickshaw rides start at about INR 20, but should not exceed INR 200 for any trip within the city. There is also an increased rate for night-time trips.

Taxis

Taxis are also easily available in the city, and are preferable if one is travel ling more than a few kilometres, or on an especially hot or rainy day when an open-sided rickshaw may be uncomfortable. Many taxis are yellow and black Ambassador cars. However, newer taxis can be any make and colour. All taxis can be identified, though, by their yellow license plates. Taxis can be arranged either at a roadside taxi stand, or through calling any of the radio taxi services including Delhi Cab (Tel: 011-4433 3222), Easy Cab (Tel: 011-4343 4343), or Meru Cabs (Tel: 011-44224422).

Taxis are all equipped with meters, which the driver should agree to use. If he doesn’t, though, as with autos, agree on a price before entering the cab. Expect to pay anywhere between INR 200 and INR 500 for trips around the city.

Buses

There are two styles of buses in Delhi – the government-run DTC buses, and the privately-owned Blue Line buses. The Blue Line buses are slowly being phased out, though, in favour of the DTC buses. Buses in Delhi are cheap (INR 5 – 15 depending on distance) and well connected. They are, however, probably the least comfortable way to travel. They tend to be quite crowded and don’t always have air-conditioning. It is not recommended that unaccompanied women or children use this form of transportation.

Bus routes can also be difficult to navigate. They are often written in Hindi, and many stops don’t have route lists. It is best to ask other passengers or the bus driver to confirm the bus route.

Metro

The Delhi Metro is a fast, clean, and efficient form of public transportation. Fares range from INR 8 – 30. And with new lines continuing to open, the Metro is becoming an easy way to travel about the city. It is best to avoid the Metro during rush hours, though, when the cars can become quite packed. If possible, try to use it during afternoons or weekends.

Depending on how frequently one plans to use the Metro, “Tourist Cards” or “Smart Cards” can be used be purchased rather than the one-time-use tokens.

Safety of Public Transportation

As with public transportation in any major city, when travelling in Delhi expats should remain aware of their surroundings, be watchful of belongings, and stay alert when travelling at night. Women and children should also avoid the buses and opt for less crowded forms of transportation. Aside from these general cautions, though, public transportation in Delhi is, by and large, a safe way to travel.

Travelling on Foot

Delhi is not a very pedestrian-friendly city. Footpaths are often dusty and broken, and most commercial centres, cultural sites, etc. are too far from residential areas to make for a comfortable walk. Walking within one’s colony or to the local market is feasible, but using walking as a primary mode of transport is not very practical or possible.

Travelling by Bicycle/Scooter/Motorcycle

Similarly, travelling by bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle is fine within an expat’s own colony or neighbourhood, but it is not recommended as a form of transportation on the main roads. Larger vehicles usually do not give way for smaller cycles, and cyclists are expected to manoeuvre within very small spaces, often on rough roads. Cycling of any kind is best left to those who have had several years’ experience navigating Delhi’s traffic and roads.

Hiring a Driver

If an expat plans to live in Delhi for an extended period, then it may be worthwhile to look into hiring a full-time or part-time driver. Many expats and middle- to upper-class Indian families keep drivers on their payroll. Those new to the city will find having a driver especially helpful in negotiating traffic and navigating the sometimes confusing roads.

If here with a company, see if they can help in finding or arranging for a driver.